SOLAR energy is about to hit a milestone: Global installations are set to reach 108 gigawatts next year thanks to China, IHS Markit Ltd. forecasts show.

Strong government support for clean energy in China, the world’s biggest market for solar power, will continue to boost demand for panels, the London-based research company said in a latest report.

“Exceeding 108 gigawatts of PV installations is close to the top end of what can be achieved, based on the global polysilicon manufacturing capacity,” said Edurne Zoco, research and analysis director for IHS Markit.

The United States, the second-largest panel market, is facing policy uncertainty as President Donald Trump weighs imposing trade barriers on imported panels, a move that would shift the U.S. market. There’s also concern that tax reform proposals would threaten the solar panel market.

India, the third-largest market, is considering anti-dumping duties for modules made in China and has announced tenders for projects that use local content. The measures may limit module supply over the next few years.(SD-Agencies)